Be aware your hamster will be sleepy during the day, and most likely to be active at night. Guess again! ", and their teeth always growing and needing things to help keep them normal. The bones and skin of the Syrian hamster will get the maximum of nutrition and vitamin D from the sunlight. We, "I haven't got a hamster yet, but I wanted to know what I have to do to take care of it. If you use a commercial food blend, the supplemental foods generally shouldn't make up more than 10% of the hamster's overall diet. Rodent and Rabbit Medicine. HSS (Hamster Society Singapore) recommend a minimum unbroken floor space of 4000 cm2 (620 in2) for Syrian Hamsters. How can I make my hamster drink his water? While not all Syrians housed together will fight to the death, they will become stressed and their immunity will be lowered. The most important thing you need to consider when it comes to buying a cage is the size. Syrian hamsters generally make good pets and are suited for beginners and families with children. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If your hand smells like food, they may mistake your finger for a treat and try to take a bite. Where should you put your Syrian hamster while you clean out its cage? ", http://www.chahamsters.org/hamsterhealth.html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Syrian Hamsters are nocturnal creatures, they sleep for most of the day and become active at dusk. Symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea, a lack of appetite, and wetness around the tail area. What does this mean? These hamsters come from arid regions of northern Syria and southern Turkey. What's a good bedding material for a Syrian hamster? Overall ease of care: Syrian hamsters are the most popular species of hamsters around the world. Space may vary depending on how your hamsters interact with each other. But in general, your hamster won't attack just because you put your hand in its cage. ", "I am getting my first Syrian tomorrow, and this information is so helpful. ", "This helped so much in wanting to buy a hamster! It’s packed with fun things for your Syrian hamster – tunnels, exercise wheel, and slides. Also, add a nest or sleeping hut (pet shops typically have several options) in a corner of the enclosure. However, this trait is usually due to infrequent or improper handling. As long as you don't squeeze or jostle your hamster as you hold it, it should learn to be content with people handling it. publisher: Butterworth Heinemann. OVERVIEW The Syrian hamster is a mainstay of the companion animal world. Sandie Agar. My hamster also likes frozen veggies as a treat when it's hot. ", "Really cool. Always make sure you know your local regulations before committing to an animal. Not only does a good diet increase your hamster's lifespan and longevity, it also helps your hamster's appearance and energy. Syrian hamster, the largest of all breeds, have nicknames of: golden, long-haired teddy bear, panda and black bear. Certain hamsters can somewhat adapt to their humans’ schedule, but you should never try to pick up a sleeping hamster. Laird & Flecknell. The space between the bars should not be more than half an inch apart (1cm). Choose another answer! Put all the items back in the cage and clip the top back on. You can build trust by interacting with him more, and spending quality time together. What to look for the best Syrian Hamster Cage? She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. If that doesn't work, build your hamster's trust by gradually increasing the amount you handle her. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. In the wild, Syrian or Golden hamsters have this same appearance; a golden brown body with a white belly and chest. You should never start by picking your hamster up! Never give your Syrian a cage any smaller than that because they will be severely cramped. Make sure to keep the room as warm as you can. Syrian hamsters need hard things to chew on in order to keep their teeth from overgrowing. If you are thinking about getting a hamster for your child, it would be best if your child is in elementary school or older. Expect to pay around $20. Toilet paper makes an excellent nesting material, as your hamster can tear it up and stuff it into their hamster house. Anything you are unsure about should generally be avoided given their proper and! Ad blocker give rubber or non-digestible toys that the author of this article was great pet... A minimum unbroken floor space of 4000 cm2 ( 620 in2 ) for Syrian hamsters Syrian. 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